It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for the "39th Annual Ukulele Festival"~the largest uke festival in the world. Upon arriving at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki, you could hear the lovely rhythm of the strumming ukulele's and seeing hundreds upon hundreds of people from all backgrounds, enjoying the music and hawaiian sunshine.
The free annual event is produced by Roy & Kathy Sakuma and sponsored by new island retailer, Target, Waikiki Beach Marriott, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Bank of Hawai, Tesoro, Foodland, Hakuyosha, City and County of Honolulu and several makers of ukuleles, to name a few. The concert showcases entertainers from ages 5 to 101 years of age. There were over 700 students, Hawaii's top uke players and world re-known celebs.
Legendary entertainer, Danny Kaleikini, Hawaii's Ambassador of Aloha, was the events emcee, introducing the entertainers from California, Japan, Sweden and Canada. There were performances by The Ukulele Festival Band, local boys,"Palolo" and 101 year old ukulele virtuoso, Bill Tapia (below, left). Almost the highlight of the event until the little 5 & 6 year olds came on stage! Too cute!
Other entertainment greats included Taimane Gardner, the beautiful songstress Natalie Ai Kaimauu, 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Group of the Year and Best Hawaiian Album of the year, Holunape. I bought one of their cd's and had them sign it for me for my Uncle Roger's birthday. Internationally renowned musician, Ohta-san, who began his career at age of 7, who greatest influence was Eddie Kamae, also took the stage with much love and aloha from the crowd.
There were the usual t-shirt and cd booths, local food fare and shave ice, perfect on this hot afternoon. There were several ukulele companies displaying many different types of ukes. At the end of each performance on stage, a drawing was held and several ukuleles were given away. They even had a booth were you could build your own ukulele.
After a great afternoon of ukulele music, I went home, got changed and went for a swim in Waikiki, while the sun was still burning in the sky. Later that evening, I went to dinner in Hawaii Kai to celebrate my Uncle Roger's 75th! Happy Birthday, Uncle!
1 comment:
I enjoyed all your photos of all the things youve been doing lately. Very festive and colorful indeed! Those flowers are simply out of this world!
Love the pic of "Uncle Rodga" He looks so happy and so do you.
Reading your continuing story was fun. My god your description of your place and closets, clothes all arranged just so...i don't EVER want you to look in my closets or drawers ever! You'd have a stroke on the spot!
I knew you liked clothes but didnt know how much until i read your blog. You are a F*ing fanatic girl!!! No wonder you had to have everything matching including undergarments, socks in your boots, etc. in HS. If you had to live in my wardrobe you'd be severely depressed!
Anyway things are good here Im busy again and getting reaaaly excited about Skyler's wedding on Friday!
Love you! xxxxxxoooooo
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